GENERAL MAINTENANCE

It's Time for the 21st Century Tune-up

Times are changing...cars are changing. One of the biggest changes in today's automotive industry is the perception of a "tune-up." Ask 10 vehicle owners their definition of a tune-up and chances are there'll be 10 different answers. The classic "tune-up" was once the heart of the automotive business and contrary to some beliefs; today's modern vehicles still need tune-ups to keep them performing at the most efficient levels.

The tune-up was historically associated with the routine replacement of key ignition system parts like spark plugs and ignition points, along with some basic adjustments to help "tune" the engine. Mounting pressure for increased fuel economy and lower emissions drove the car manufacturers to adopt electronics and to do away with ignition points in the '70s, along with the carburetor in the middle '80s. This eliminated the need for the replacement and adjustment of a growing number of ignition and fuel system parts.

As the pace of technology quickened, the procedures required to perform a traditional tune-up changed dramatically. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems are now the norm, using one or more onboard computers to control critical engine and transmission management functions. Things that were once handled mechanically are now controlled electronically through the widespread use of onboard computer technology.

Because vehicles have changed so much over the years, the Car Care Council has introduced the 21st Century Tune-up. This program is designed to help re-define and educate motorists as to what a tune-up should consist of on today's modern vehicles.

"There is a misconception that today's modern vehicles don't need tune-ups because they never break down, but that simply is not true," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "If you're at work and your computer goes down, you can't get any more work done. It's the same with your vehicle. If the vehicle isn't being properly maintained, you're not going to get where you want to go."

As part of the 21st Century Tune-up on today's modern vehicles, the following systems should be inspected:

Battery, charging and starting

Engine mechanical

Powertrain control (including onboard diagnostic checks)

Fuel

Ignition

Emissions

Vehicle owners ask for tune-ups for a variety of reasons, including improving performance, maintaining reliability, planning a vacation, preparing for winter/summer or because they're giving the car to a friend or family member.

To help ensure good performance, fuel economy and emissions, the Car Care Council also recommends that motorists take the time necessary to become familiar with their vehicle from every aspect. Study the owner's manual to become thoroughly acquainted with the operation of all systems. Pay special attention to the indicator lights and instruments.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter

Mechanical failure—an inconvenience anytime it occurs--can be deadly in the winter. Preventive maintenance is a must. Besides, a well-maintained vehicle is more enjoyable to drive, lasts longer, and could command a higher resale price.

Some of the following tips can be performed by any do-it-yourselfer; others require the skilled hands of a professional auto technician.

Fuel - Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Note that a full gas tank helps keep moisture from forming.

Oil - Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual—more often (every 3,000 miles) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent short trips.

Cooling Systems - The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Windshield Wipers - Replace old blades. If your climate is harsh, purchase rubber-clad (winter) blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on windshield washer solvent-you'll be surprised how much you use. Carry an ice-scraper.

Heater/Defroster - The heater and defroster must be in good working condition for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Newer models have a cabin air filter that should be replaced periodically. Check your owner's manual for the location and replacement interval.

Battery - The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Exhaust System - Your vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks. The trunk and floor boards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes can be deadly.

Tires - Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressures once a month. Check the tires when they are cold, before driving for any distance. Rotate as recommended. Don't forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.

Summer's heat, dust, and stop-and-go traffic, will take their toll on your vehicle. Add the effects of last winter, and you could be poised for a breakdown. You can lessen the odds of mechanical failure through periodic maintenance. . . Your vehicle should last longer and command a higher resale price, too!

Some of the following tips are easy to do; others require a skilled auto technician.

Air Conditioning - A marginally operating system will fail in hot weather. Have the system examined by a qualified technician. Newer models have cabin air filters that clean the air entering the heating and air conditioning system. Check your owner's manual for location and replacement interval.

Cooling System - The greatest cause of summer breakdowns is overheating. The cooling system should be completely flushed and refilled about every 24 months. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (A 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water is usually recommended.) DIYers, never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled! The tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a pro.

Oil - Change your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual-more often (every 3,000 miles) if you make frequent short jaunts, extended trips with lots of luggage, or tow a trailer.

Lights - Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean dirt and insects from all lenses. To prevent scratching, never use a dry rag.

Tires - Have your tires rotated about every 5,000 miles. Check tire pressures once a month; check them while they're cold before driving for any distance. Don't forget to check your spare as well and be sure the jack is in good condition. Examine tires for tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. An alignment is warranted if there's uneven tread wear or if your vehicle pulls to one side.

Brakes - Brakes should be inspected as recommended in your manual, or sooner if you notice pulsations, grabbing, noises, or longer stopping distance. Minor brake problems should be corrected promptly.

Battery - Batteries can fail any time of year. The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. Routine care: Scrape away corrosion from posts and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If battery caps are removable, check the fluid level monthly. Avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.

Emergencies - Carry some basic tools-ask a technician for suggestions. Also include a first aid kit, flares, and a flashlight. Consider buying a cellular phone.

Keeping Your Vehicle in Tune with the Environment

Car care is definitely a win-win situation. Besides helping the environment, a properly maintained and operated vehicle will run more efficiently, will be safer, and will last longer-up to 50% longer, according to a survey of ASE-certified Master Auto Technicians. The following tips should put you on the road to environmentally conscious car care.

Keep your engine tuned. A misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30%. Follow the service schedules listed in your owner's manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended.

Check your tires for proper inflation. Under inflation wastes fuel-your engine has to work harder to push the vehicle. Wheels that are out-of-line (as evidenced by uneven tread wear or vehicle pulling) make the engine work harder, too. Properly maintained tires will last longer, meaning fewer scrap tires have to be disposed.

Keep your air conditioner in top condition and have it serviced only by a technician certified competent to handle/recycle refrigerants. Air conditioners contain CFCs-gases that have been implicated in the depletion of the ozone layer. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, almost one third of the CFCs released into the atmosphere come from mobile air conditioners; some simply leaks out, but the majority escapes during service and repair-so it's important to choose a qualified technician.

Do-it-yourselfers: dispose of used motor oil, anti-freeze/coolant, tires, and old batteries properly. Many repair facilities accept these items. Or call your local municipal or county government for recycling sites. Never dump used oil or anti-freeze on the ground or in open streams.

Observe speed limits. Mileage decreases sharply above 55 mph.

Drive gently. Avoid sudden accelerations and jerky stop-and-go's. Use cruise-control on open highways to keep your speed as steady as possible.

Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Today's vehicles are designed to "warm up" fast, so forget about those five-minute warm ups on cold winter mornings.

Remove excess items from the vehicle. Less weight means better mileage. Store luggage/ cargo in the trunk rather than on the roof to reduce air drag.

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Awesome experience.... Rebuilt transmission and replaced the rear bearings in 48 hours for half the prices of all other quote.s

-Brock M.

I have been going to this auto shop for more than a decade. You can trust them. They will not steer you wrong, and they will never lie to you.

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Great people. Very helpful. Knowledgeable.

-Mike R.

This family owned business was recommend to me by a friend. I was very pleased with their knowledge and willingness to trouble shoot my car issues. They were honest and prices were good. They will be my GO To for Car Repair Oh....and they had a cat in the office.....can't go wrong there !!!

-Francey B.

I have taken my car to Murdock and Sons several times and will not take it anywhere else. The last time I was there, I waited with three other older ladies, like me and we all agreed these are the only people we feel we can trust with our older cars. They do a great job at a reasonable price.

-Benita M.

Very happy with my three visits here. They were honest, had fair pricing and completed the repairs when promised. Came recommended to me by someone I trust in the auto sales business.

-Wade D.

Dropped my car off to get an oil leak fixed. The repair was done in the timeframe we agreed on and cost a little less than my quote.

-Jim B.

Honest, honest, honest!!!! Family owned and operated...old school right!!! Murdock & Son... (and Daughter)...excellent communication and attention to detail! We do not take our cars to anyone else! My husband trusts his F250 Diesel to them and he is always plrased!!!

-L. W

Use this business for 10 yrs and it is the best repair shop ever! I drop my car, they call me and tell whats wrong and how much and how long... Always very fast repair, professional, clean and high quality. They never cheat, they never overcharge, they never sell you anything extra. I recommend this shop to all my friends and co-workers. Thank you very much, Mr. Murdock and team - you make my life easier!

-Nora R.

I cannot say enough good things about Murdock & Son. I have used them for more than a decade now. On more than one occasion I was certain a costly service was necessary for my car(s) only to have them take a look and inform me that what I had asked them to do wasn't the problem, but rather a much simpler and less costly issue was to blame. Doug told me that if I insisted on the work (about $600 worth at one point) he'd do it, but that I was wasting my money. On another occasion they called me a week or so after they had serviced my car to inform me they had overcharged me and were refunding my credit card for a line item we had discussed and decided not to do, but had been erroneously charged. They caught the mistake (I never would have) and corrected it. Truly a trustworthy auto repair shop that shoots straight. I live in west Plano, but drive to Garland when I need car work. Well worth the drive! I cannot recommend them more highly!

-A.G.U.

They fixed my car and didn't add on a bunch of extra stuff that it didn't really need. The mechanic explained to me what he did to repair the car. I trust these folks, and will take my vehicles there for all future repairs. Worth every penny

-Jay S.

Impeccable integrity, very intelligent group. They love to figure out better and less expensive ways to fix the vehicle. I have known and used these guys for gong on 25 years. We have been blessed over and over again. I'll never forget when Chester turned a $1200 fix into a $75 fix. Go ask him (or Doug) how .

-Larry H.

At the advice of a coworker (back in 1999), I took my car to Murdock & Sons for diagnosis of a problem. After having gotten an estimate from another mechanic which amounted to hundreds of dollars, I was pleasantly surprised when Chester not only made the repair for far less, but took the time to explain to me what the repair actually entailed. I have been a customer every since. The people here are definitely people of integrity...and you can trust the work that they do and the prices that they charge. I have recommended them to many people; and I wouldn't take my car anyplace else to have work done on it.

-Frances J.

My parents have used Murdocks for decades. Our whole family uses them, and anytime I, or anyone in my family, gets a new car it goes to them to double check that everything the dealership said was true. I wouldn't pick any other place to have my car worked on. I have all faith in the hands of these mechanics. The prices are very well priced and they will explain what is actually going on. They wont force anything on you if you want time to think about your repairs, good example is my motor mounts are wearing down but they aren't quite ready to be replaced yet and they let me know about it so I can start to get the money ready and they gave me a round about time frame that they will need to be replaced. LOVE THESE GUYS!

-Amber T.

My father and I, as well as my entire family, use Murdock & Son exclusively and we always will because we trust them not to lie to us about any problems with our cars. If you can make the drive out to Garland, it doesn't get much better in terms of great service, affordability, responsiveness, speed, and friendliness. Hopefully they will be servicing the eastern metroplex for decades.